Transducer mounting

[Rattler0816]

Transducer

I bought the Helix 7 Chirp, Mega di, Mega Si G3
where would you guys recommend me mounting the transducer? Also I bought 4200 silicone for the screws but unfortunately the weather has been below 40° here and looking that way for another week. Tho during the day it will be in the lower 50’s. Anyone ever used this stuff when temps were this cool and got a full cute out of it?

 

[GA_Boater]

Howdy.

What boat? The stern configuration will affect the mounting location.

 

[Rattler0816]

Sorry I should have mentioned what boat I have.
97 Nitro 700lx

 

[82rude]

Is that a glass boat?

 

[Rattler0816]

Yes it’s a fiberglass

 

[Rattler0816]

I bought the Helix 7 Chirp, Mega di, Mega Si G3
where would you guys recommend me mounting the transducer? Also I bought 4200 silicone for the screws but unfortunately the weather has been below 40° here and looking that way for another week. Tho during the day it will be in the lower 50’s. Anyone ever used this stuff when temps were this cool and got a full cure out of it?

boat is a 97 Nitro 700 lx a fiberglass boat

 

[southkogs]

Have you considered a thru-hull transducer?

I followed the instructions from Hummingbird when I put mine on the back of the Bayliner. Aside from imaging at cruise speed, the setup works fine. Look at getting a stern saver. When I put mine on, that's one thing I really liked adding - no holes into the actual fiberglass.

 

[alldodge]

Most transducers come with directions for locations. You want in clean water so not in a place where turbulence can happen like from the prop or thru hull fitting. Being a bass type boat, you also need to think about if the transducer will come out of the water at high speeds.

Installing in cold weather is an issue, it needs warmer weather to cure. You could do a temp install now, and when weather warms up, remove and do correctly. Something like, drill just enough for screws now, then later drill larger holes, fill with 5200, cure then redrill

 

[Scott Danforth]

hang a 40 watt light bulb near the transom and wet it.

the 3M sealants are moisture cured and cure faster at high temps.

 

[buckshot77]

https://www.humminbird.com/support/faqs/SI_Transducer

 

[raspeitia]

Side imagers need clearance on both sides, and the down imager needs bubble free water. The manual gives you examples of what clearances are needed and how to position just below the transom edge. Most of the time its the outdrive thats in the way blocking your side imaging signal.

I would mount it per the examples in buckshot77 link, BUT use a transom saver because you may need to adjust the position. If you have issues with holding image or cutting out at certain speeds transom aeration would be the issue.

I have the Helix 5 GPS G2 Di Si, and did the transducer swap and went with the thru hull "XPTH 9 HDSI 180T" my runabout. Had to drill a hole in my fiberglass hull, but it holds depth and imaging up till 36mph. Best boat accessory purchase, but I do worry an errant log might shear it off at high speed. Meh. Might have other problems then though.

Hope that helps.